Carlsbad Medical Center Named “Large Business of the Year” by the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce
7/22/2025
Carlsbad Medical Center was named “2025 Large Business of the Year” at the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet on Thursday, July 17. Chamber leaders noted CMC’s economic impact, recruitment of healthcare providers, organizational investment and growth, and community service as major factors in their award decision.
“This company is not only doing a tremendous job today, but continues to look ahead to the future by working with other organizations to expand healthcare education for our community,” said Ralph Carreon, Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce Board Member (in a message read by Chamber CEO Chad Ingram). “They saved my life in 2021 and they continue to provide amazing customer service and healthcare to me and my family.”
Carreon also mentioned CMC’s longevity, as the hospital approaches 50 years of service to southeastern New Mexico, and recent achievements including the installation of a 3D mammography system, a new, additional CT scanner, and a significant increase in ER visits, inpatient admissions and inbound transfers. Additionally, Carreon discussed CMC’s support for those in need. “The hospital has supported non-profits such as the United Way of Eddy County, the Faith, Hope and Love Foundation and Carlsbad LifeHouse, and last year alone, Carlsbad Medical Center provided more than $54 million in charity and uncompensated care for our community’s most vulnerable,” he said.
Carlsbad Medical Center Chief Nursing Officer Mark Staton accepted the award on behalf of CMC. “Healthcare is special, it’s sacred, and it’s a business of trust,” he said. “It’s vitally important to us that members of our team share the same beliefs and value a common purpose - that all patients, families and members of the community receive safe, compassionate care.” Staton also mentioned that recent improvements at CMC are just the beginning. “The future is bright for CMC,” he said. “We are excited to soon be adding more surgical services and have even more upcoming capital investments planned to improve access to care in our community, so stay tuned!”
Carlsbad Medical Center is a 99-bed critical care hospital accredited by The Joint Commission, with over 400 employees, a 24-hour ER, ICU, Surgical Services Department, Medical-Surgical-Pediatric Unit, Women’s Services, Therapy Services, Diagnostic Imaging, Cardiac Cath Lab, Cancer Center and more. The hospital is a certified Level III Trauma Center. Over the last two years, CMC has expanded its telemedicine capabilities and relaunched Wound Care services and Cardiac Rehabilitation. In 2024, CMC recorded close to 135,000 patient encounters at the hospital as well as 13 physician clinics, an outpatient therapy center and urgent care facility.
“We are incredibly honored to receive this award and would like to thank the Chamber of Commerce for the recognition,” said Nick Arledge, CMC CEO. “We also thank our entire team at CMC for making this possible through their hard work and dedication to providing safe, quality patient care and excellent service. This award is a testament to our outstanding staff and providers and the vital role they all play in the health of our community.”
Back row L-R: Christopher Zamora, Director, Pecos Valley Physician Group; Kris Armendariz, Director of EMS; Mark Staton, Chief Nursing Officer
Middle row L-R: Melissa Suggs, Director of Marketing; Beth McCormick, Chief Quality Officer; Daniela Solis, CMC 2024 Employee of the Year; Andrea Devers, Director of Ancillary Services
Front row L-R: Dr. Gus Barrazueta, Orthopedic Surgeon; Vanessa Reyes, Director of Provider Outreach; Dr. Abi James, General Surgeon; Angela Baca, Director of Radiation Oncology and Wound Care; Stephanie Fuentes, RN, Director of ICU; Valerie Lopez, RN, CMC 2024 Nursing Excellence Award winner; Lorissa Campos, RN, Director of Surgical Services
Mark Staton, CNO, (left) accepted the award on behalf of CMC. Also pictured is Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce CEO Chad Ingram.
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